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Albert Einstein is set to revolutionise science again - this time, for school children.

Researchers say it's time to reverse Australia's critical skills shortage in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), especially among young girls.

Two programs, Einstein First and Quantum Girls, will bring primary and high school science education into the 21st century.

The programs are led by Professor Susan Scott (Australian National University) and Professor David Blair (University of Western Australia), two Prime Minister's Prize for Science recipients.

"Kids want to learn about things like black holes and not science that dates from before quantum physics was discovered," Prof Blair said.

Trialled in Western Australia, the Einstein First program will give children basic understanding of the science behind technologies that drive the modern world.

"Our kids are curious and excited by science but they think science at school is about 'old stuff'," Prof Blair said.

"We must replace 19th century concepts and teach everyone the language of modern physics.

"The theories of Albert Einstein aren't too hard for school kids."

The second program, Quantum Girls, is bringing quantum science and quantum computing into classrooms, STEM clubs and hackathons to inspire girls.

Quantum computing is predicted to contribute $244 billion a year to the Australian economy by 2031.

But women make up less than 40 per cent of students in university STEM courses and less than 20 per cent in vocational courses, 2022 Australian industry data shows.

In the industry, men make up more than 70 per cent of senior management and 92 per cent of CEOs.

Girls' confidence in STEM subjects is generally lower than boys, and falls as they get older.

Prof Scott said the lack of female students studying STEM in Australia was "disturbing".

The Quantum Girls program aims to train 200 female teachers, who will then teach quantum science and quantum computing to 11-15 year old girls.

"We are at a critical time when it comes to developing our future STEM workforce," Prof Scott said.

"The challenges and opportunities are already here, but at the moment our school system is failing us in what we need for the future."

© AAP 2023

Finding adequate housing is one of the top challenges for disadvantaged Australians as concerns about affordability highlight a backward trend for the nation's most disadvantaged.

Getting access to shelter with basic utilities has become harder in most states and territories except Victoria, with Tasmania, Queensland and South Australia ranking lowest on the latest social progress index in terms of shelter.

The findings by the Centre for Social Impact, which looked at health, housing, education and wellbeing, show most parts of the country went backwards in meeting basic human needs in 2021.

The index examined various factors including the uptake of homelessness services, social housing tenancy rates and demand.

It also considered issues with overcrowding and rental affordability in low-income households.

Victoria was the only state that improved on housing compared to the previous year.

Director of the centre for social impact at UNSW, Danielle Logue, said the findings highlight differences in housing programs and demands across various states.

"Whilst we have something to be proud of there, in terms of access to shelter, I think it shows there is a lot more work to do," Prof Logue told AAP.

"Especially when we're thinking about how we can ensure that the most vulnerable have a roof over their head."

When it comes to general social progress and social equity, the ACT ranked highest, followed by Victoria and NSW.

The Northern Territory ranked last ahead of Western Australia, likely due to barriers including remoteness, smaller populations and higher proportions of First Nations people.

Centre chief executive Armine Nalbandian said the data could help policymakers drive meaningful change.

"Drawing on the strongest available data sources, the index shows us where policy decisions are not landing with the communities they are meant to serve," Ms Nalbandian said.

"This tool can help focus government efforts across the country on the policy and structural changes needed to drive change."

While access to advanced education improved in most states and territories, access to basic education did not which could mark the effect of COVID-19 lockdowns.

Australia ranked 12th for overall social progress on the global index out of 169 countries, with Norway listed as number one.

The Centre for Social Impact is a national research and education collaboration between four leading universities including UNSW Sydney, The University of Western Australia, Swinburne University of Technology and Flinders University.

© AAP 2023

Xavier Coates is ready, willing and able if bustling Queensland winger Selwyn Cobbo is ruled out of the second State of Origin match in Brisbane.

After scoring two tries in the Maroons' victory over NSW in the series opener in Adelaide, Cobbo is battling a hip issue which could pave the way for the return of Coates.

The Storm speedster made his Origin debut in 2020 and has played six games but was sidelined after injuring his ankle in the opener of the 2022 series.

With the Maroons enjoying a glut of classy outside backs, the towering 22-year-old was overlooked this year despite some impressive form for Melbourne.

He pushed his case for selection with two tries in the Storm's thumping 54-10 win on Sunday over Cronulla, with his aerial skills on full display.

Queensland will name their team on Monday for Wednesday week's second match of the series.

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy said he was surprised Coates wasn't picked for the Adelaide match.

"It's really hard to pick 17 but he carried on with his consistent form," Bellamy said.

"He's a wonderfully hard worker - he always puts in time and effort and he's getting rewarded for that."

Coates said he would relish another Origin opportunity if one arose but was happy just to see Queensland win.

"I'd love to be in that side but the boys that got picked for that State of origin team, they've done such a great job and as a Queenslander. I love seeing us win," he told AAP.

"You can't get away from a winning side and those boys on the edges who played, they did such a great job.

"Although I'm not in that team, I can really support the boys - so many Queensland boys are playing so well this year and obviously you can't pick everyone.

"It doesn't matter if I'm picked or not picked as long as we're winning, that's the main thing."

Meanwhile, Storm skipper Christian Welch's hopes of winning selection might have hit a snag after he was sin-binned against Cronulla.

The prop was put on report and sent for an early shower late in the match for a hip drop tackle on Royce Hunt, who had to be assisted from the field with an ankle issue.

Queensland's 19th man in the series opener, Welch is in contention to replace the injured Jai Arrow.

Welch apologised to Hunt post-match and while he admitted the tackle was "ugly" said he was not sure about its legality.

"I think I landed on the ground first and it was just a bit of an ugly tackle," he said.

"I wasn't in the team for game one so I don't know if I would even be picked, to be honest, so I will wait and see."

© AAP 2023